As injuries mount in Raleigh, the Hurricanes have recalled forward Brock McGinn and defenseman Brett Pesce from Charlotte.
James Wisniewski and Riley Nash are both currently sidelined, the latter for 10-14 days, while the former will be out for six months after undergoing knee surgery this week. Add to that the fact that forward Joakim Nordstrom did not practice today, and Carolina’s roster is thin on both offense or defense. With a lengthy seven-game road trip kicking off this Friday in Detroit, the addition of McGinn and Pesce give the Hurricanes some much needed extra bodies.
This is the first NHL call up for second-year pro McGinn. The 21-year-old forward has recorded two goals this season for Charlotte, both coming in the opener against Iowa and currently leads the AHL in shots on goal. Last season, McGinn netted 15 goals, leading all team rookies and ranking third on the team overall, and was a force all across the ice.
Rookie blue liner Pesce is also getting his first NHL recall. The 21-year-old product of the University of New Hampshire has put up two points in as many games this season and notched one helper during his four-game stint with the Checkers at the tail-end of last year.
Both players earned themselves extended looks during Hurricanes’ training camp and looked to be prime candidates for recalls as the season began. What’s slightly unusual for Pesce is that, aside from a quick, early-season stint by Patrick Brown, the Hurricanes did not recall any rookies last season, despite strong showings from the likes of Trevor Carrick and McGinn. The fact that they’re turning to him so early in the year shows the confidence that they have in the 6-foot-3 defenseman.
With the Checkers short a forward and a defenseman, two skaters from the group of healthy extras- forwards Carter Sandlak and Erik Karlsson and defensemen Jake Chelios and Tyler Ganly- will find their way into the Charlotte lineup should McGinn and Pesce remain in Carolina for an extended period of time.
The Hurricanes travel to Detroit on Friday to take on the Red Wings in a contest that kicks off a string of seven road games lasting until Oct. 29. The Checkers embark on a long road swing of their own this weekend, beginning with Friday in Milwaukee and running eight games.
